Introduction
India has a vast network of roads, and traffic rules and regulations are in place to ensure safety on the roads. Challans are issued to those who violate traffic laws, park illegally or cause environmental pollution. The penalty for these violations varies from state to state.
In this article, we will compare the challan penalties in Kerala and Uttar Pradesh. In September 2019, the Motor Vehicle (Amended) Act became effective and has profoundly changed traffic violation fines and penalties.
If you live in Kerala or UP or are planning to visit either state, it is imperative to know everything about traffic violations and fines to stay safe on the road and avoid paying hefty penalties
Traffic Challans in Kerala
Kerala is known for its well-maintained roads and strict traffic laws. The penalty for traffic violations in Kerala is higher compared to other states. For instance, if a person is caught riding a two-wheeler without a helmet, they will be fined ₹1,500. Driving without a license can lead to a fine of up to ₹5,000, and operating a vehicle without valid insurance may cost ₹2,000. Drinking and driving is a serious offence, attracting a fine of ₹10,000. To make fine payments easier, motorists can now check and pay their Kerala challan online through platforms like Park+.
Apart from these, some other traffic violations are commonly penalised in Kerala. To ensure pedestrian safety, Kerala RTO has made it mandatory for every driver to stop at zebra crossings, and the penalty for not stopping is Rs. 500. Furthermore, every vehicle in Kerala must have a High-Security Registration Plate (HSRP), which is tamper-proof and ensures better vehicle identification. The penalty for not having HSRP can go up to Rs. 10,000.
Driving without a valid driving license: Fine up to Rs. 5,000
Over-speeding: Fine ranging from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 5,000
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs: Fine up to Rs. 10,000 and imprisonment up to 6 months or both
Using a mobile phone while driving: Fine up to Rs. 1,000 for the first offence and up to Rs. 2,000 for subsequent offences
Not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler: Fine up to Rs. 1,000
Jumping traffic lights or stop signs: Fine up to Rs. 1,000
Violation of the seat belt rule: Fine up to Rs. 1,000
Driving an unregistered vehicle: Fine up to Rs. 2,000
Driving in a no-entry zone: Fine up to Rs. 500
Driving without insurance: Fine up to Rs. 1,000
It's worth noting that fines can vary based on the severity of the offence and the discretion of the officer enforcing the law. Additionally, repeat offenders may face steeper fines and even imprisonment.
Traffic Violations in Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh is known for its rich culture and history, making it one of the most-visited states in India. To ensure the safety of the public on roads, the state has set up strict traffic rules and regulations, and penalties are imposed on violators. In this article, we will discuss the traffic challan in Uttar Pradesh.
Traffic Penalties in Uttar Pradesh:
To keep pedestrians, drivers, and riders safe, the RTO of Uttar Pradesh makes it a point to punish all traffic violators with steep penalties. Listed below are the most common traffic violations and their respective penalties in Uttar Pradesh:
- Driving without a license - Rs. 5000
- Not wearing a helmet while riding a two-wheeler - Rs. 1000
- Not wearing a seatbelt - Rs. 1000
- Using a mobile phone while driving - Rs. 5000
- Drunken driving - Rs. 10,000
- Over-speeding (Light Motor Vehicle) - Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000
- Over-speeding (Medium Passenger/Goods Vehicle) - Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000 and impounding of license.
- Driving without valid insurance - Rs. 1000
- Not stopping at a zebra crossing - Rs. 500
- Causing Air or Noise Pollution - Rs. 5000 for the first offence and Rs. 10000 for subsequent offences
Conclusion
It is important to note that the penalties may vary based on the type of vehicle, and if the same offence is committed more than once, the penalty amount may increase or lead to imprisonment.
Furthermore, both Kerala and Uttar Pradesh have stringent measures in place to deal with repeat offenders. Due to increased vehicular and pedestrian traffics in either state, the number of violations and the resultant fines collected are skyrocketing.
If you think you might have been at the receiving end of challans while in Kerala or Uttar Pradesh, you can easily check the e-challan status on the Park+ App. Download the Park+ App to make your life easier and stay on top of all your vehicle needs.